grace newport

Wine Director, EPIC Steak

Grace was born in Dublin, Ireland and grew up in the fishing village of Howth. She developed an early love for hospitality when helping to prepare and host family dinners, which were always a staple in her house growing up. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Dublin City University, during which time she spent a year studying abroad in Budapest at Corvinus University.

Her thirst for adventure and exploration stemmed from sailing around Europe as teenager. Looking to explore the West Coast, she moved to San Francisco after graduating from University. She joined the EPIC Steak team as a server in 2015 where her passion for wine was ignited during trips to the wine country. She has been enthralled by wine ever since. Unable to resist the world of wine, she undertook the rigorous study required and became certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2018. Grace has a passion for life-long learning and is currently studying towards her advanced certification.

As a true child of EPIC this is her home away from home. Grace has recently undertaken the responsibility of maintaining and advancing the award-winning wine and beverage programs at EPIC. She will also supervise the continued professional development of the EPIC restaurant staff. The world of fine wine and beverage is a natural way to bring together Grace’s love for travel, culture, history and hospitality. She travels extensively throughout California and enjoys escaping the city to wine country to discover and taste all that the Golden State has to offer.